Read Joshua 2:1-24
Defining moment: a pivotal decision that changes the trajectory of your life and consequently impacts the lives of others, even future generations.
Rahab’s life was a series of defining moments.
As a harlot in the wicked city of Jericho, she had a revolving door of men. Each time she opened the door to another man, she was faced with a choice. Another knock. Two more men. But this time she stared at a life changing decision, a decision more foreign than the faces of the Israelite spies that stood before her. Rather than her accustomed use and abuse of her body for profit, she made a radical choice to hide and protect the men.
The books of Joshua, James and Hebrews make it clear that this was an act of faith.
Little did she know that defining moment would alter her, her family’s and future generations’ spiritual direction. As instructed, she tied a scarlet cord in her window, a lifesaving sign that would provide safety for her and her family, if she held to her oath and remained inside the house at the time of the city’s destruction.
About ten days later, the walls of Rahab’s fortified city came tumbling down. And, of all places, her house was on the wall! She was living on the city wall! (Joshua 2:15) Even though destruction and terror rained down around them, Rahab and her family remained in the house, huddled together, waiting in stillness to be rescued, placing all of their hope in the scarlet cord that hung in the window.
Recently, my daughter shared with me a video of a mother eagle protecting her three eaglets from an intruder. At the alarm of their mother’s screeching, the three dependents took a “dive and cover ” posture, while she spread her wings of protection over them. The triplets didn’t squawk or frantically run around the nest in fear, but stayed perfectly still under her wings until all danger had passed.
Danger, destruction and death hovered all around the city of Jericho as the Israelites invaded, except at Rahab’s house. (see Joshua 6:22,23) It was the only house left standing on the wall unscathed because of being under the protection of God’s wings of refuge.
“Surely he will save you… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:3-4
We, too, are under His wings when we accept the scarlet blood of Jesus as our only source of salvation.
That decision is the most defining moment of your life.
Are you placing all of your hope in the sacrificial blood of Jesus?
Are you still and quiet, seeking refuge under His wings? Or are you living in fear and terror because of the destruction you see all around? Claim the words to the familiar hymn, Under His Wings:
“Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him- I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.”
Rahab’s defining moment secured her as God’s child. It changed not only her life, but later in Scripture we learn that she became the great grandmother of King David and, more importantly, part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ!
In spite of her immoral past, her stained life was cleansed. Rahab experienced safety, security, and salvation the moment she chose scarlet. You can too.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood.”
Ephesians 1:7
Charline Engle
